License revenues are a substantial component of budgets for state natural resource agencies. Therefore it is important to retain license-paying residents and attract non-residents to maintain a revenue base. We addressed the problem of adjusting hunting and fishing licenses administered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). MDWFP provided data revealing total agency revenues generated approximately 40% of its annual budget. In 2004, license revenues alone generated U.S. $14.7 million, 22% of the $68 million annual budget. MDWFP intends to maintain or improve upon this despite stagnating funding from federal and state sources. We recommended increasing certain resident licenses by amounts of $2 to $20 to achieve this goal. If our recommendations are followed and average sales continue, hunting and fishing license revenues are projected to be approximately $16.3 million in fiscal year 2006, accounting for 26% of the projected $64 million budget. If sales approach the maximum, hunting and fishing license revenues are projected to be approximately $17.7 million, or 28% of the budget. Key words: funding, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, license assessment, Mississippi, revenue
